Means for covering and decorating graves.



No. 771,509. PATENTED OUT. 4, 1904.

W. TEMBLETT & F. McGOY. v MEANS FOR COVERING AND DECORATING GRAVES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 25, 1904.

N0 MODEL.

UNITED STATES Patented October 4;, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

MEANS FOR COVERING AND DECORATING GRAVES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 771,509, dated October 4;, 1904.

Application filed January 25, 1904. Serial No. 190,487- (No model.)

To rtZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, TILLIAM TEMBLETT, a subject of the King of Great Britain, and FOR- BEST MoCoY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, county of Cuyahoga, and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Means for Covering and Decorating Graves, of which the following is a specification, the principle of the invention being herein explained and the best mode in which we have contemplated applying that principle, so as to distinguish it from other inventions.

Our invention relates to means for covering graves, and particularly to means for covering graves in the winter-time for imparting thereto a fresh and attractive appearance. Said invention consists of means hereinafter fully described, and particularly set forth in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings, Figure 1 represents a metal framework embodying our invention, showing samein the position occupied when in use. Fig. 2 represents the complete invention, showing the upper frame and decorative covering attached thereto in a raised position. Fig. 3 shows the frame applied to a second use.

Our said invention consists of three main parts, the convex rectangular lower or base frame A and attached hinged legs a a, the convex rectangular upper or secondary frame B, and the decorative covering C, fixed to said secondary frame B.

The lower frame A is formed of side members a a, of wire rod of suitable thickness, and intermediate longitudinal and transverse wire members a a are fixed to its sides, as shown. Hinged to said frame are a number of legs a (0, consisting of rods having pointed ends by means of which they may be inserted in the ground. The upper or secondary frame B consists of a frame L b, of wire rod ofsuitable thickness, and intermediate longitudinal and transverse members I) I) of thin wire, forming a net-like structure, as shown, with a mesh of suitable size for supporting the decorative covering C in a proper manner. One edge of this secondary frame is hinged, preferably by means of rings (Z, to one of the side members a. The dimensions of the two frames are practically identical and are such that an ordinary grave may be entirely covered when these frames are placed over it, as shown in Fig. 1.

The decorative covering C is woven upon the upper side of frame B to form a mat or blanket like structure and is made from suitable material, such as evergreen and other hardy shrubs or the like, of various form and color.

The above-described device is used as follows: The frames are placed over the graves by inserting the legs into the earth so as to support the whole structure about four inches above the top surface of the ground, thus allowing a circulation of air below and preserving the grass or other plants which may be permanently planted upon the grave from destruction. The decorative covering C is thus caused to blanket the grave and impart its charactor thereto. Should the blanket become covered with snow, it is only necessary to raise the upper frame and covering attached thereto and shake ofl such snow. The framebeing then replaced, a fresh green appearance is imparted to the grave.

By reversing the relative positions of the two frames and folding the legs between same, as shown in Fig. 3, then providing a suitable back support, the frame A may be covered with decorative greens and flowers and may thus be used for a set funeral piece, a foundation being formed by filling the space between the two frames with a suitable material, such as moss.

Other modes of applying the principle of our invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any one of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

Ne therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as our invention- 1. In means for covering graves, the combination with a frame arranged to be fixed relatively to the grave, of a frame hinged theretoand arranged to lie substantially parallel therewith.

2. In means for covering graves, the comsuch lower frame, and a decorative covering fixed to said upper frame.

I. In means for covering graves, the combination of a base-frame, a plurality of supporting-legs hinged to such frame, and a secondary frame hinged to said base-frame.

5. In means for covering graves, the combination of a base-frame, a plurality of supporting-legs hinged to said frame, asecondary frame arranged to lie on top of such baseframe and substantially parallel therewith, and a decorative covering fixed to said secondary frame.

Signed by us this 20th day of January, 1904.

WVILLIAM TEMBLETT. FORREST MCCOY. Attest:

(Jr. W. SAYWELL, A. E. MERKEL. 

